Md. Chief Bans Hand-Held Cellphones for Officers

Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis is barring officers from using hand-held cellphones behind the wheel, just like other motorists.

In a letter this week, Davis noted that officers are exempt from new legislation that allows police to pull over drivers suspected of using hand-held phones behind the wheel. But he says police must model driving behaviors they expect from motorists.

A department spokesman says officers will continue to need the exemption under the law for emergency situations, but those found using their hand-held phones for other reasons while on duty will be held accountable.

County Fraternal Order of Police lodge president O'Brien Atkinson says there are some concerns over the new restriction, but safety trumps all other concerns.